Taiwan's president says island will not surrender freedom

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 12:24 · Archive

Taiwan's president has called on democracies to maintain regional stability in a National Day speech.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivered a National Day speech in which he emphasised that Taiwan will not surrender its freedom, saying 'Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up our freedom.' He described Taiwan's resolve as essential not only for the island's own survival against authoritarian expansion, but as a test of whether the international community believes force cannot override rules.

Lai stated that peace cannot rely solely on wishes, and that Taiwan is open to exchanges but will not accept subordination. He said boosting defences is not a provocation. Taiwan is ramping up defence spending and modernising its armed forces in response to China's far larger military, which is acquiring advanced weapons including stealth-fighter jets, aircraft carriers and missiles.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office responded by denouncing the speech as disregarding facts and distorting the truth, accusing Lai of clinging to separatist thinking. The office reasserted that Taiwan is part of China and that the island's future must be decided jointly by all Chinese people, including Taiwanese. Democratically governed Taiwan has faced increased military and political pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory.

How it is being reported

• Taiwan pushes freedom, Beijing slams 'ulterior motives'Taiwan's president has called on democracies in the Indo-Pacific to "join forces" to maintain regional stability in a speech marking the island's National Day.The West Australian · 10 Oct, 11:54
• Taiwan pushes freedom, Beijing slams 'ulterior motives'Taiwan's president has called on democracies in the Indo-Pacific to "join forces" to maintain regional stability in a speech marking the island's National Day.Perth Now · 10 Oct, 11:54

In this story: Taiwan · China · Lai Ching-te · Indo-Pacific

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem